"The B-Side: The Death of Tin Pan Alley and the Rebirth of the Great American Song" by Ben Yagoda; Riverhead (304 pages, $27.95)
Can we stop mourning the Great American Songbook already?
No, and yes, says Ben Yagoda.
In the often engaging,...

Who do you think should win the Grammy this year? Polymath actor/director/artist/etc. James Franco? High camp maestro John Waters? Recently deceased comedy diva Joan Rivers? Inspirational disco queen Gloria Gaynor? Or should the prized award go to...

Jack Hammett, a Pearl Harbor survivor and former Costa Mesa mayor, died Saturday morning in his home. He was 94.
Hammett had been ill for a few weeks and was hospitalized earlier this week, but had returned home, his personal assistant Teresa Drain...

More than 50 people attended the memorial service for David Stiller to speak of his loyalty, passion for civic affairs and propensity for sending emails. He died March 9 at 78.
At the time of his death, the active community member had been serving on...

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This time of year seems to usher in hectic schedules and frazzled nerves. Taking some time to spend with family and friends in an enjoyable activity might be just what the doctor ordered.
Consider two upcoming fundraisers for worthwhile causes that will stir up smiles, fun and relaxation while raising money for Glendale schools.
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The office for the Early Education and Extended Learning Programs has moved to 520 E. Wilson Ave., Suite 215, in Glendale. It will be open today in the new location. The department provides high-quality preschool and before- and after-school care to the children in our community.
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Just before he climbs aboard the shiny white bus, Tau Pham hands his satchel to the guys loading cargo. Quickly, they stuff it next to dragon fruit, car parts, homemade sticky rice and today's editions of the Vietnamese newspapers.
Pham thanks them and smooths imaginary wrinkles from the shirt tucked beneath his blazer. He's been taking the trip north for 13 years now, but he still likes to look sharp.
He settles into his spot in the second row. He always sits where there's a view.
"I like to see...

Jeff Trainer, one of the owners of Sands Bethlehem Event Center, has always loved movies and always loved zombies — long before, he says, the hit TV show "The Walking Dead."
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"Zombie Killers: Elephant's Graveyard," a thriller starring "Titanic" alum Billy Zane, "E.T....

Customized TV Listings are available here: www.latimes.com/tvtimes
Click here to download TV listings for the week of May 18 - 24, 2014 in PDF format
This week's TV Movies
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SUNDAY
Chris Martin and company perform new songs and fan favorites in the special "Coldplay: Ghost Stories." 7 p.m. NBC
Leaving Las Vegas as the winning team is the goal when the latest running of "The Amazing Race" wraps up in Sin City. 8 p.m. CBS
Girls just want to have fun: Miley Cyrus and Lorde are...